How I Finish A Round With Something Left In The Tank

You know the story. The first nine feels alright, then by the fourteenth the legs don’t quite fancy it anymore. The swing is still there, but the energy has gone.

I stopped charging. These days I keep the walk steady and let the round take its pace. There’s no medal for being first to your ball.

Why The Back Nine Feels Different

By the middle of the round you’ve already climbed a few hills and made a few swings you didn’t mean to. Energy slips without you noticing.

At our age it’s not about power. It’s about staying steady.

When I used to rush, I faded. When I slowed down, I finished steadier.

What I Changed

I stopped charging between shots. I walk at one pace now. No bursts.

I sip water before I feel thirsty. Not loads. Just steady.

I have something small to eat on the seventh and again around the thirteenth. Banana or a cereal bar. Nothing fancy. Just enough so I don’t dip.

Don’t Carry The Last Shot

A good shot or a bad one, I give it a nod and move on.

No dragging it down the fairway.

The back nine is hard enough without carrying the last hole with you.

“There’s no medal for being first to your ball.”

Try This Next Time You Play

Before you hit the tenth:

• Slow your walk slightly.
• Sip water even if you don’t feel dry.
• Have a small bite before you feel empty.

After a bad hole:

• Accept it quickly.
• Keep your pace steady.
• Focus only on the next shot.

At 64, I’m not trying to prove anything. I just want to finish feeling like I could play another three holes if I had to.

Steady beats strong.

Cheers,
Andrew

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